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DAILY INSIGHTS & INTEL
Impacts of the Iran Conflict on Global PPE Supply Chains.
The Iran conflict has disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical oil choke points. The strait handles approximately 20% of global oil consumption, with 84% of its crude oil flows destined for Asian markets.1
Strait of Hormuz Status
Restricted
Last Updated: April 10, 2026
- A two-week ceasefire (effective April 8) reopens limited commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz
- Safe passage requires active coordination with Iran's armed forces
- The agreement is a fragile first step — not a full normalization of trade flows
- Transit stability remains contingent on broader regional security conditions
- Iran has signaled it may re-restrict passage in response to Israeli activity in Lebanon
Critical Metrics to Watch
The ceasefire is a fragile first step toward restoring traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Vessel traffic and insurance premiums will be the earliest signals of whether conditions are genuinely improving.
Strait of Hormuz Vessel Traffic2
15
/ 138 avg
10.87% of normal
Vessel Insurance Premiums3
Normal Rate
0.25%
Current War Premium
3%
Premium Increase
12x of normal
- Daily vessel traffic and war-risk vessel insurance premiums are early indicators of Strait of Hormuz viability
- Recovering vessel counts and reductions in insurer coverage costs will signal improving energy flow
- Even as transit improves, full supply chain normalization — freight patterns, inventory, and supplier confidence — will likely take months
Supply Chain Impact
Decreased Vessel Traffic
Moderate Transit Delays Occurring
Moderate Container Surcharge Increases
Limited NBR Supply & Increased Costs
Rising Cost of Polypropylene Resin
Downstream Product Impact
This disruption is cascading into the global PPE supply chain, driving volatility in petrochemical-based raw materials like polypropylene and Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) while increasing costs and delays for finished goods due to higher energy prices and constrained shipping routes.
Gloves
- Limited flow of crude oil impacting NBR availability
- Manufacturers are sourcing NBR at highly elevated prices
- FG output slowed in April and May planning. Expected to continue in June.
- Cost of nitrile gloves have risen April and May production planning. Expected to continue in June.
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Gowns
- Supply of raw materials remains stable
- Resin prices increasing, translating to an increase in RM price
- Manufacturer production remains stable
- Potential for future market price adjustment due to RM cost
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Masks
- Supply of raw materials remains stable
- Resin prices increasing, translating to an increase in RM price
- Manufacturer production remains stable
- Potential for future market price adjustment due to impact on production cost (vary by product)
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Sources & Disclaimers
1 U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Amid regional conflict, the Strait of Hormuz remains critical oil chokepoint, EIA, eia.gov.
2 Winward
3 Financial Times
4 Market supply constraints and price increases are based on current market data and supply chain indicators.
2 Winward
3 Financial Times
4 Market supply constraints and price increases are based on current market data and supply chain indicators.